PLACES-TO-SEE

Shankaracharya Samadhi
The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.

Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)
A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven. A 2 km trek from Kedarnath. The floating ice on the crystal clear waters of the lake is a fascinating sight.

Gaurikund
14 km. The trekking base to Kedarnath and the road head, this village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and also thermal springs of medicinal value.

Vasuki Tal
6 km. At 4135 mtr. above sea level, this lake is extraordinary, surrounded by high mountains and offering an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

Sonprayag
The confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers. Road to Triyuginarayan diverts (14 km) from here.

Triyuginarayan
25 km. The mythological venue where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag. An eternal flame, which is said to have been the witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today.

Gupt Kashi
Guptaksahi has a great importance quite like that of Kashi. The ancient Vishwanath temple, Ardnareswar temple and Manikarnik Kund, where the two streams of Ganga and Yamuna are believed for their redemption. Lord Shiv was not willing and so eluded the Pandavas repeatedly. He took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. Being followed by Pandavas, he dived into the ground leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of God reappeared at four other places. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the stomach (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and the locks with the head at Kalepeshwar. They are all worshipped there as manifestations of Lord Shiva.

2 kms from the temple is situated Gandhi Sarovar where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed. 12 kms from here is the place from where river Mankdakini originates.

Vasukital, yet another beautiful lake is situated at a distance of 8 kms from Kedarnath. Floating ice on crystal clear water fascinates visitors to this lake.

Ukhimath
60 km. Winter home of the deity at Kedarnath temple and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath. Connected by bus services to Rudraprayag and other major centres.

Agastyamuni
18 kms form Rudraprayag, at an altitude of 1000 mts and on the bank of river Mandakini, this is the place where Rishi Agastya meditated for years.

A temple by the name of Agasteshwar Mahadev is dedicated to sage Agastya and this temple is also of an archaeological significance, figures of Gods and Goddesses have been carved out on stones. On the occasion of Baisakhi a large fair is held and many devotees come here to worship and pay their homage to God.

For food and accommodation, a Forest Rest House and private hotels are available. Other facilities include market, bank, hospitals and telephone etc.

Chopta
Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it. Deoria Tal At an altitude of 2,440 mt, is beautiful lake a situated on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. In the early morning, the snow-capped peaks are clearly reflected on the lake waters. This lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching.

The Kedar Massif
This is an outstanding massif formed by the three major mountains - Kedar dome, Bharatekuntha at 6578 Meters, is connected to Kedarnath to the East, by a long and dangerous avalanche ridden ridge. At 6000 meters it looks stunning and has several glacial flows, one of which is the Mandakini glacier running down its ridges.

Kedarnath and Kedardome, are connected by a deep ridge. Kedar dome at 6831 Meters presents a fair challenge to climbers. Kedarnath is however, a difficult peak to climb. At 6940 Meters it is just beneath the level where the oxygen layer is thin. Anyone interested in a good day trek, could take the well travelled path from behind the temple toward Bharatekuntha. About three kilometers away in the valley formed by the Kedarnath massif, is Chorabhari Tal. This lake has been renamed Gandhi Sarovar after the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in lake.

Kalimath
Situated at 6000 ft. Kalimath is the famous pilgrimage place of Garhwal. This temple belongs to Maa Kali. Dhaval river flows besides the temple.

Deoria Tal
Sari village is the last bus terminus on Chopta - Ukhimath road from where a 2 km trek leads to Deoria Tal. This is a beautiful lake at an attitude of 2,438 mts. gives the spectracular reflection of show capped peaks in the lake water Ideal spot for angling and bird watching.